Welcome to The Link, where every week (or so) I give props to a link that has given me juice in in the days preceding.

I get most of my music from blogs.  I collect rare and out-of-print funk, unreleased tracks from my favorite artists, new underground hip hop, interesting cover versions, and assorted random curiosities.  I usually let it all pile up and then check all of my favorite music blogs in a marathon session, downloading a few weeks’ worth of listening material.

In this edition of The Link, I’m not just showcasing one site.  I’m going to take you on a journey, hooking you up with a whole new music collection as we go.  Follow me.

What started last night’s session was the discovery of an article about unheard Michael Jackson Thriller demos that were available for download.

Michael Jackson – Thriller Demos

These are outtakes, undeveloped songs that didn’t make the cut, and alternate takes. They’re interesting curiosities and a must for fans of the album, but they’re not what’s going to rock your next party.

I would find that when at Goodgroove Records out of England.

They don’t have it on their site, but Goodgroove has released two very good remix albums:

James Brown Regrooved

Michael Jackson Regrooved

The James Brown one is more mind-blowing of the two.  If you can sit still while you’re listening to Get Up Off of That Thing, then what are you doing with your life?

Then I found this dude hosting a ton of Beastie Boys rarities – Instrumentals galore up in here

Check for this dude Daytona, your new favorite rapper.  Two very clever mixtapes and a full debut album that you can download all for free!

And finally: enjoy the new Drake video, directed by Kanye West.  Apparently this is a subject of great controversy:

You’re welcome!

Tags: drake, Free Music, hip hop, james brown, Michael Jackson, mixtape, rap